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‘Asia is the future of football’ is rapidly becoming one of the game’s most prominent clichés and with a lion’s share of the world’s population and growing participation rates, it’s no wonder.
The talk made its way to our backyard after Australia latched onto the continent in footballing terms and has only picked up momentum.
Pre A-League there was far less interest in Asian leagues and their players. There is still minimal knowledge about Asian football – Champions League aside – which is more a blight on the awareness of Australians than the talent pool across the shores.
With the Asian Cup creeping upon us, it is no wonder the FFA are keen to expand Australia into the globe’s fastest growing market place.
Fairfax Media reported on Tuesday that an Asian-only football visa is likely to be introduced in the coming years, adding to the Australian marquee and foreign marquee spots currently in place.
FFA chief executive David Gallop described the move as a no-brainer, although largely for political reasons.
“The details would need fine-tuning and discussing with the clubs but having a spot for an Asian player definitely fits with our strategic direction,” he told Fairfax.
“By 2020, it’s estimated 400 million people will be playing football in Asia. Football can help the nation build political and economic ties with Asia.
“The A-League would benefit from fostering opportunities for Asian players.”
The issue is particularly rife given the A-League’s lone Asian player – Shinji Ono – will leave our shores in May and there is the real possibility there could be no players from the continent playing locally by the time the Asian Cup rolls around.
It’s a valid argument, too. One of the most highly-rated players in Asia is United Arab Emirates’ Omar Abdulrahman, who still plays in his home country with Al Ain.
Club World Cup runners-up Guangzhou Evergrande have produced an exciting young talent in Kim Young-gwon, while 22-year-old attacking midfielder Wu Lei impressed for mid-table side Shanghai SIPG with 15 goals in the Chinese Super League last season.
Iraq’s victory in a competitive field at the recent Under-22 AFC Championship – seven years after their momentous Asian Cup victory – served to further reiterate what Asian countries can offer to the A-League.
So it is indeed bewildering the migration between Australia and Asia has been mostly one-sided.
But the FFA’s solution is not the right one.
Yes, A-League clubs should be looking to Asia more. No, this move should not be forced upon them.
At present, clubs are permitted five foreign players on their roster, which provides plenty of scope to sign an Asian player. Many have in the past.
Qu Shengqing (Adelaide), Sergio van Dijk (Brisbane/Adelaide), Ryo Nagai (Perth), Surat Sukha (Victory), Sydney’s Ali Abbas and Ono have all had successful stints in Australia.
That said, there is obviously a reason scouts have placed greater emphasis on signing Eastern European and Brazilian players.
If each club truly felt they required an Asian player to polish off their starting line-up, they would have done so by now.
An allocated visa will allow some A-League sides to unearth some of Asia’s young guns, but it will also force others to settle for a player that may not suit their system, or may not be of interest, just to suit the quota.
Western Sydney must surrender one of their five foreign players for their campaign which begins next month, while Central Coast only escape the rule due to Marcos Flores’ long-term injury.
The track record of Australian clubs in inter-continental competition is testament to the proficiency of Asian leagues with clubs from east and west proving troubling.
There is an obvious difference in the style of play on offer in Asia and one that A-League clubs could benefit from by poaching some talented players in due time.
But to say all clubs must have their transfer policy adjusted to fit Asia in by a particular date is far too restricting.
Furthermore, suggestions of a 4+1 system (four foreign players and one Asian player) could force a club to sacrifice one of its current overseas players.
The Asian Champions League’s 3+1 rule – which stipulates participating teams can only field four foreigners, including one player from an Asian country – already does this and somewhat provides motivation to look within our own backyard.
Further incentive to sign Asian players is the way to go, with clubs then enticed to look at those within the AFC without feeling compelled to do so if they do not find the right fit.
An allowance under the salary cap for Asian footballers would provide a greater foray into the A-League and see all parties benefit.
No doubt the Asian Cup will force a rethink of current policies regarding the number of local players in the league, but there is a big difference between considering change and pushing it upon unwilling clubs.
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